Italy’s Edison, which has two deepwater blocks immediately to the northwest of Dana’s North El Arish on 20 December said it is “currently preparing important drilling campaigns for, as initially planned, two exploration wells [on the] North Thekah and North East Hapy concessions.” The blocks lie immediately to the north of compatriot Eni’s Nour where eagerly-watched drilling is underway (MEES, 2 November).

Edison produces 270mn cfd in Egypt from the shallow-water Abu Qir development northwest of Alexandria. It says it will next year launch the $200mn development of fields on its North Idku and North El Amriya for tie-in to Abu Qir from Q1 2021. Edison last year paid €10mn to acquire the blocks from previous operator Dea, BP’s partner in the WND development of acreage immediately to the north and west (MEES, 14 December). (CONTINUED - 215 WORDS)